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Review Criteria

In this article, I’ve reviewed the 9 best microphones for recording vocals that cost under $1,000.

All mics included in my reviews were chosen based on their widespread use and reputation in the professional music community.

I’ve also added my insights gained from 25+ years of experience running a very successful music production company, creating Audio Addiction Music Library, a production music library with global distribution, and recording in major studios.

Condenser Mic Overview

Every studio regardless of size needs at least one high-quality condenser mic.

Condenser mics come in all shapes and sizes and are known for their natural, clear, accurate and transparent sound, as well as their flat frequency response with extended highs and lows.

There are two types of condenser mics:

Small diaphragm mics are used mostly for instrumental recordings

Large diaphragm mics are used for both vocal and instrumental recordings

I personally own three large diaphragm mics – a Neumann U87 AI, a Neumann TLM 103, and an AKG C414-XLII. I’ve used them for years to record instruments like guitars, mandolins, drums, percussion, etc., as well as vocals.

Combine any good condenser with a high-quality mic preamp and you have the ability to record professional sounding vocals or instruments in your studio!

Phantom Power

One final thing to know about condenser mics is that they require a power source to operate.

While some mics use batteries as the power source, a 48-volt external phantom power supply is a more reliable and efficient method.

Most mixing boards or mic preamps provide phantom power through the mic’s XLR cable, so this is not something to worry about. But if needed, there are inexpensive phantom power supplies that are available that start around $20.00.

Rode is a manufacturer of high-end microphones that have been studio staples for many years. The Rode NT5 is Rode’s premier small diaphragm “pencil mic”.

Like The SM81, it is an excellent choice for recording acoustic instruments, especially acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, and cymbals.

The good news is that a single NT5 is about $120 less than an SM81.

But for a little more money than for one SM81, you can get a matched pair of NT5s!

Many pro studios have a pair of NT5s in their mic locker alongside their higher-priced mics, because they sound really good for the money.

So, if you are looking for two mics for recording in stereo, a pair of NT5s offers a ton of value for the price. Two NT5s on acoustic guitar produces very warm and detailed stereo recordings.

NOTE: Rode recently posted this announcement about purchasing from Amazon in the U.S.:

“RØDE Microphones does not authorize Fulfilled By Amazon. We have purchased counterfeit RØDE products using Fulfilled by Amazon and highly recommend that you only purchase RØDE products from authorized dealers.

If you purchase any RØDE microphone from an unauthorized dealer via Fulfilled By Amazon you will not receive any U.S. warranty or technical support.”

Doing a quick check, I see lots of authorized dealers on Amazon that include Sam Ash, Music 123, and GearNuts.

So, make sure you buy from dealers directly, not when it says “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. You’ll find other sellers than Amazon under the “New” section (ex: “9 New from $399.00”).

Please use this link to find authorized Rode dealers both online and for brick and mortar shops.

Note: The mic only ships with one capsule that you need to choose when you purchase it. Additional capsules are available for around $250 each.

Unlike the Shure SM81-LC or the AKG C451B which are pencil style mics, the Beta 181 uses a side-address capsule where the sound strikes the capsule from the side, not the front. This makes it very useful in recording in tight places, especially inside drum kits.

The Beta 181 is frequently used on piano as well as drums, percussion, and guitars.

The Hummingbird is a small diaphragm condenser mic with the cool retro look Blue Mics is known for.

With an unusual 180 degree rotating head, the Hummingbird is able to fit into tight places that make it an ideal mike for recording drums and acoustic piano.

The rotating head is also handy for finding the sweet spot when recording instruments like acoustic guitar. Turning the capsule allows you to easily dial in the sound you want without having to move mic stands and performers around.

Shure SM27, Shure KSM32, Shure KSM44A

Shure has been a leading mic manufacturer since 1925, and when it comes to high-quality yet affordable microphones they are at the top of the list.

The SM series of mics are professional mics at a very affordable price.

Shure mics such as the famous SM57 and SM58 are studio and stage staples and have been used on countless hit recordings. Artist such as Jennifer Lopez, Nick Jonas, Phantogram, Miguel and others all use their products onstage or in the studio.

NOTE: Rode recently posted this announcement about purchasing from Amazon in the U.S.:

“RØDE Microphones does not authorize Fulfilled By Amazon. We have purchased counterfeit RØDE products using Fulfilled by Amazon and highly recommend that you only purchase RØDE products from authorized dealers.

If you purchase any RØDE microphone from an unauthorized dealer via Fulfilled By Amazon you will not receive any U.S. warranty or technical support.”

Doing a quick check, I see lots of authorized dealers on Amazon that include Sam Ash, Music 123, and GearNuts.

So, make sure you buy from dealers directly, not when it says “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. You’ll find other sellers than Amazon under the “New” section (ex: “9 New from $399.00”).

Please use this link to find authorized Rode dealers both online and for brick and mortar shops.

The Rode NTK is the first tube condenser mic on our list, and it delivers a huge sound comparable to mics costing twice as much!

Tubes impart a warm smooth classic sound heard on many hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Matched with today’s technology, the NTK combines the best of old-school tube warmth with a clean transparent sound and wide dynamic range.

The Rode NT1-A is a professional quality mic at a value price. It delivers a clear warm sound, extended dynamic range, and high SPL capability usually found in much more expensive microphones.

It a complete redesign of the now classic original NT-1. The original won an EM Editors’ Choice Award in 2004, as well as an award for the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone, with only 5 dB of self-noise!

Blue Microphones Baby Bottle And Blueberry

Blue Microphones makes a wide range of cool and distinctive looking mics at a variety of price points. Blue mics are especially popular with home studio owners as they deliver exceptional sound quality at an affordable price.

I’ve chosen two of their best-selling mics, presented here with the lower-priced model first.

The Blueberry is a higher-end condenser mic that is designed to help vocals and instruments stand out in a mix.

It delivers tight mids and lows and a silky top end which are perfect for recording vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, drums, strings, and woodwinds.

Mix Magazine had this to say in a review:

“The Blueberry provided an un-hyped sound that was quite natural, with an uncolored off-axis response. It is an excellent all-around studio mic whose natural reproduction, clean output and versatility make it a good choice either as a first large-diaphragm mic for the novice or as an addition to a well-stocked mic locker.”

Conclusion

The 20 best small and large condenser mics that I’ve reviewed are the cream of the crop; they’re all mics that are proven to deliver fantastic sounding recordings for owners all over the world. And they all retail for under $1,000.

You really can’t go wrong with any of them!

Remember, there are no “perfect” mics – each mic will sound different depending on the vocalist or instrumentalist, recording studio, mic preamp and other studio gear.

So to get started, choose a mic on this list that fits your budget and your intended recording uses. If it works for pro studios, it should work for you too!

About The Author

Michael is a veteran award-winning composer, publisher, and producer. He is the owner of The Music Kitchen and Audio Addiction Music Library, a production music library with worldwide distribution. You can learn more about him on the About page.